Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) revealed the recipients of its 2026 Scholarship Programme at the levy body’s annual conference in Llanelwedd on 12th November.
Following a competitive selection process, the three successful scholarship applicants will now undertake studies aimed at bringing innovation and new ideas to the red meat industry in Wales, said HCC. At the end of the year, the scholars will share their findings with the wider industry.
The 2026 HCC Scholarship Programme recipients are:
Beca Glyn Jones, Padog, Betws-y-Coed
Beef and sheep farmer, Beca Glyn Jones plans to visit Switzerland, Austria and France to explore how suckler herds are successfully grazed in mountainous environments. The aim of her research is to identify practical approaches to grazing management, herd performance and farm resilience that could benefit Welsh upland beef systems.
Charlie Bowyer, Usk, Monmouthshire
Charlie Bowyer’s research will focus on sustainable, innovative and cost-effective uses of conventional and alternative forages, cover crops and conserved forage systems within red meat production across Wales, the UK, Ireland and further afield.
Ilan Jones, Llanuwchllyn, Y Bala
Ilan Jones, who works for the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, will examine how emerging technologies, such as livestock-mounted sensors and artificial intelligence, can support livestock farming. His project will assess the potential to improve animal health, labour efficiency and environmental performance.
Scholarships support future industry development
Commenting on the announcement, HCC strategy & future policy manager John Richards said: “The HCC Scholarship Programme was expanded this year with increased funding and a broader focus, enabling applicants to explore topics that can deliver practical benefits to Wales’ beef, sheep and wider livestock sectors while supporting HCC’s Red Meat Industry Vision.
“The quality of applications was extremely high, demonstrating the ambition that exists within our industry. Beca, Charlie and Ilan have each chosen subjects that address key opportunities for the future of Welsh livestock farming, from upland grazing and forage innovation to the application of new technologies.
“We look forward to benefiting from the knowledge and insights they will bring back, helping to support the continued development of the sector.”
Tony Goodger, head of communications at the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), commented: “AIMS congratulates Beca, Charlie and Ilan on their HCC Scholarships. Their study areas are highly relevant to today’s Welsh red meat industry and tomorrow’s farming landscape. We look forward to hearing about their studies when completed and also commend HCC for their continued scholarship programme”
